John "Jack" R. Lemke

Lifelong resident, farmer, and cattleman of Lawrence, NE, John R. “Jack” Lemke, 91, passed away Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at Central Nebraska Veterans Home, Kearney, NE.

Rosary will be at 10 a.m. and Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, June 10, at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church, three miles south of Lawrence with Father Denton Morris officiating. Burial with military honors by the Lawrence American Legion Post #45 and the Nebraska National Guard will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Lawrence. Visitation will be 3-7 p.m. with family present Sunday, June 9, at the Lawrence Funeral Home, and one hour before the service at the church. Memorials may be given to the Jack Lemke Memorial Fund for a memorial to be determined at a later date. 

Jack was born September 20, 1932, to John G. and Bertha (Ostdiek) Lemke at Mount Clare, NE. He dedicated his life to the land, working as a farmer in the Lawrence area for decades. He was a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend to many.

Jack was drafted into the Army during the Korean War on March 19, 1953, serving his country for two years. He received his high school diploma at the Red Cliff Colorado High School, a testament to his dedication and perseverance.

On October 18, 1955, Jack married the love of his life, Arlene Schroer. Their union was blessed with seven children: Don, Gary, Dale, Gregg, Carol, Randy, and Peg. Jack was deeply committed to his family, instilling in them values of faith, love, loyalty, and resilience.

Jack was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, the Lawrence American Legion Post #45, and the Knights of Columbus.

Jack enjoyed local gatherings, sharing his tales of life on the farm, his adventures during his military service, and his deep-rooted love for his family and community. He found joy in connecting with others through his stories, leaving a lasting impression on those who had the pleasure of listening.

Jack was preceded in death by his loving parents, John G. and Bertha Lemke; brothers, Vernon Lemke and his wife Dorothy and Arnold Lemke; sisters, Norma Skalka and her husband Joe and Lorene Friend and her husband Bob; brother-in-law, Bill Schroer; and sister-in-law, Bette Schroer.

In addition to his military and community service, Jack was known for his warm heart, unwavering faith, and love of raising cattle. He will be remembered fondly by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Jack is survived by his devoted wife, Arlene; his seven children and their spouses; 11 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Mildred Lemke and Dianne and Don Meyerson; and nieces, nephews, and many other relatives and friends. 

SURVIVORS:
Devoted Wife:                                   
    Arlene Lemke – Lawrence, NE
Children & Spouses:                          
    Donald Lemke (Nancy Hubl) – Hastings, NE
    Gary Lemke (Carol Hofstetter) – Lawrence, NE
    Dale Lemke – Lawrence, NE
    Gregg Lemke – Glenvil, NE
    Carol Kucera (Arnie Kucera) – Hastings, NE
    Randall Lemke (Leslie Vineyard) – Lawrence, NE
    Peg Kohmetscher (Randy Kohmetscher) – Blue Hill, NE
Grandchildren:                                  
    Amanda (Bryan) Skalka
    Amber (Jason) Menke
    Ashley (Nigel) Hoelting
    Chelsey (George) Welch
    Hannah Vacek
    Courtney (Ben) Hansen
    Carli (Matt) Cloet
    Rachel (Gregg) Schlueter
    Samantha (Matt) Kreber
    Taylor Lemke
    Tanner Lemke
Great-Grandchildren:                        
    John and Joel Skalka
    Raleigh, Logan, and Kara Menke
    Brayden and Sadie Hoelting
    Jack, Kate, and Poppy Welch
    Easton and Kylan Vacek
    Beau and Hazy Hansen
    Jack, Leni, and Jovi Cloet
    Nora, Otto, and Theo Schlueter
Sisters-in-law & Brother-in-law:      
    Mildred Lemke – Superior, NE
    Dianne and Don Meyerson – Denver, CO
And nieces, nephews, and many other relatives and friends

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